Mark is a man on the horns of a dilemma. He's in the midst of a five-year affair with a married man and he wants out ... but isn’t sure he can give up his lover.<br><br>Austin, who lives in the apartment building across the street from Mark, has his own problems. Two years earlier, the man he loved died in a horrible auto accident. Austin is still trying to come to terms with seeing it happen, and dealing with the aftermath.<br><br>After watching Mark from his balcony, making up stories about what he sees, Austin decides to meet him. Will the meeting help the two come to grips with their problems? And if it does, can they move on to something more than possible friendship?

The Man on the Balcony

Austin spent the next few minutes checking the large and varied display of masks. There was also a pegboard on the side wall holding packaged beards and mustaches, kits for making scars, small accessories like plastic pirate swords, wigs, and glasses. A showcase which formed part of the counter area was filled with theatrical makeup. A standing rack in the middle of the room was brimming with all things green, purple, and gold, including Mardi Gras beads, boas, and hats.


On a whim, Austin picked one of the boas, wrapping it around his neck.


“That is so you…not,” Mark said, coming up beside him. “I’d suggest a jester’s hat.”


Austin shook his head. “I’m not a jester. A king, maybe.” He took a plush purple crown of the rack, plopping it on his head. “Goes well with the boa, right?”


“Yeah, I thought as much.” Austin put the crown and boa back on the rack. “This is quite a place.”


Chapter 23